The ABC’s of Vitamins

Who else was handed a Flintstone’s Chewable Vitamin after their breakfast in the morning as a kid? Your mom and dad were right to do so, as the proper dose of your daily vitamins are crucial in fighting off illnesses and even broken bones. However, you may not realize what vitamins your body needs to keep you healthy, and the vitamins you’re taking may not be doing the trick. Below, we answer some of the basic questions about vitamins, and how to get the right amount you need:

What’s the definition of a vitamin, and why do I need them?

A vitamin is an organic compound that a person cannot create in proper quantities, which is why it must be maintained through your diet. Most adults in developed areas eat less than the minimum allowance for 10 or more nutrients. These nutrients are key in building your body’s systems that keep your body working like a well-oiled machine. If you’re not taking enough, your body could feel sluggish and slowed down, but the proper amount can keep you going throughout the day!

Where Should I Get My Vitamins?

Big named drugstores mostly sell substandard vitamins, which barely have any substance to them compared to vitamins sold by nutraceutical companies which are typically online or for sale in medical doctor’s offices. GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, two local vitamin chain stores have some quality products, but not everything they sell is as good as the nutraceuticals available. And since most vitamins come at a costly price, it’s best to get your money’s worth out of them!

What Vitamins Should I Be Taking?

A balanced healthy lifestyle includes the basic vitamins from A to Zinc, and they should be in everyone’s daily routine. Depending on your diet and your health, the number of certain vitamins you need may change. For example, if you have a cold or weak immune system, you should take Vitamin C or Zinc to help. Vegetarians and vegans should take iron since they don’t get enough iron by eating meat, and child-bearing age females should include folate in their vitamin intake. To really know what your body needs, there are blood tests available that will measure the actual level of different vitamins and minerals in your cells. Dr. Pinto’s office offers Spectracell, a comprehensive vitamin, mineral, and amino acid test that gives you not only actual cellular levels, they help recommend how to replenish what you may be deficient in.

What’s the best way to get your vitamins?

While vitamins are great to give your body that extra push of energy it needs, it is not a replacement for the real deal. The best way to get intake vitamins is through a balanced a healthy diet. Most fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish are packed with vitamins. Include these foods in your meals daily!

Dr. Pinto was featured on Fox29 Philadelphia’s Good Day Philadelphia Weekend on March 19th at 8:00 a.m. to talk more about what vitamins are essential for healthy living.